Ducks take the tube – DC
With mallard numbers in the UK declining and a flyway population showing a similar trend, wildfowlers across the country are using a simple but effective idea to improve the ducks’ breeding success.
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Due to the widespread severe weather BASC is calling for all shooters in the UK to exercise restraint, wherever it is needed, in the shooting of ducks, geese and waders.
The call is being made following seven days of severe weather. The species affected are geese, wild duck, released duck, woodcock, snipe, golden plover, coot and moorhen.
Voluntary restraint in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales should continue to apply until three consecutive thaw days or until a statutory suspension is enacted following 14 days of severe weather.
BASC’s head of wildfowling James Green said: “BASC issues a call for voluntary restraint in shooting ducks, geese and waders when it is clear that birds could be affected by the weather, but ahead of any statutory suspension of shooting.
“We would also call on other countryside users, such as dog-walkers, ramblers and bird-watchers to take care not to cause unnecessary disturbance to birds which may be struggling in the severe conditions.”
He added: “The decision to show restraint in shooting should be made by individuals where feeding or roosting is affected by snow or ice. It should be based on local observations of the condition of the birds and their habitats.”
If freezing conditions persist, statutory suspension of waterfowl shooting could take effect from day 14. Statutory suspensions normally last for 14 days but would be reviewed after seven days and could be lifted if conditions have improved. All dates are subject to change according to prevailing weather conditions.
With mallard numbers in the UK declining and a flyway population showing a similar trend, wildfowlers across the country are using a simple but effective idea to improve the ducks’ breeding success.
Project Penelope is here again, giving us the opportunity to get cracking with this exciting international conservation scheme.
Once occupied, installing duck nest tubes can increase mallard hatching rates to more than 90 per cent.
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© 2023 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.
If you have any questions or complaints about your BASC membership insurance cover, please email us. More information about resolving complaints can be found on the FCA website or on the EU ODR platform.
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